2001 Healing Hearts

Gathering Of Circles
2001

Healing Hearts

2001

Cloudcroft New Mexico
September 21-23

The picture was drawn by a 12 year-old child and given to her mother as a gift. When I saw this drawing it instantly brought Healings Hearts to my mind. There are many paths in the center heart just as there are many paths to our own hearts. This weekend we will explore those paths through DISCERNMENT OF THE HEART. What is discernment?

The act or process of exhibiting keen insight and good judgment. 2. Keenness of insight and judgment. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Ed. 2000

Perception of that which is obscure 2. ability to make good judgments 3. the trait of judging wisely and objectively. WorldNet 1.6 1997 Princeton University

Many times discernment is thought of as a cognitive skill, a way to think, but as we become more spiritually awake we must learn to perceive, judge, and gain insight through our hearts rather than our minds. Standing Elk of the Lakota People said, “The Heart alone has the power of determining what is true from what is shadowy.” I recently heard someone say that a shadow is only light that is being blocked. Are you willing to unblock your shadows?

Join us this weekend as we explore the light of discernment through the journey of the heart.

Pamela and Brett will begin the day with some fun challenges designed to help you trust more, say what you mean, think before you act, express how you feel, and laugh out loud. Sounds like life; come along.

There are 7 energy centers in the body called chakras and each one is related to levels of consciousness, colors, elements, body functions, and sounds or vibrations. These are: crown chakra, third eye, throat, heart, solar plexus, genitals, and root chakra (base of spine). Toning is using the voice to “sing” a vowel sound such as ahhhhhhhhhh. Because each Chakra responds to a certain vibration, toning has been used for centuries to cleanse, heal, and balance the vibrational pattern of the body, allowing us to manifest our true spiritual nature. The author Linda S. Gibson said, “Voice belongs to the body, but it is the instrument of the spiritual self.” Discover your own chakra sounds and help other’s find theirs as we work individually and together on clearing our energy centers so that like “a hollow bone” spirit can flow through us each and every day. Utilize the big drum to express your feelings as you explore each of the various chakras and their respective energy centers.

Brett will lead us in a group discussion around the campfire to share thoughts, ideas, and feelings about what it really means to discern our lives through the heart. Our thoughts, words, and deeds are creating our lives everyday. Are you happy with your creation? Are you making your choices wisely? What is your relationship with yourself, with your family and friends, and with Mother Earth and all of our relations? Let’s talk about what it means to be a spiritual being living in a human body.

Bring a gift wrapped in a paper bag for the “give-a-way.” This should be something of significance (meaningful) to you, which you now want to relinquish your attachment to, and let pass on to a new keeper. The size or monetary value of this item is irrelevant but the more significant to you the better. It may be symbolic of something of yourself, which you have or wish to turn loose of so that your “hands” are freed up for your present pursuits. Listen to your heart in deciding what to “give-a-way” at this time.

This weekend is presented by DRUMSONG:
Cliff Buchanan: Cliff is a computer consultant in Odessa, Texas. Cliff personifies the grandfather who teaches and prepares the way for others on the spiritual path. His Shamanic Journeys and Sweat Lodge ceremonies provide powerful lessons.

Pamela Scheler, M.A., LPC-T: Pamela is a Pipe Carrier of the Rainbow Bridge Clan. She creates sacred space through song, ritual, and ceremony. Pamela lives in Temple, Texas and is the Clinical Director of a foster care agency.

Brett Messer: Brett is an artist who expresses his creativity through woodworking in Temple, Texas. Brett walks a spiritual path as he leads others through Sweat Lodges, Storytelling, Crystal Bowl meditations, and trust building workshops.

The graphic this year is used by permission of the artist, Andrea Cain (Sheri Young's daughter). Now 20, she was 12 years old when drawn! Copies (8.5 x 11) will be available at Cloudcroft for a donation of $5.00. Please pre-order from Cliff for your copy.

Please pre-register with Cliff Buchanan, 915-550-3302, WinterFox@GatheringOfCircles.com
1404 Castle Road, Odessa TX 79762 (Even if you are an "old-timer").

Basic Information:
Do: Honor and respect the land and natural life on it as part of our family. Treat it as you would like to be treated.
Do not bring: Any alcohol or drugs.
Do bring: A "Give-Away" for the giver. Wrapped or in a paper bag. This should be something of significance (meaningful) to you, which you now want to "give-away" or relinquish your attachment to, and let pass on to a new keeper. The size or monetary value of this item is irrelevant but the more significant it is the better. It may be symbolic of something of yourself, which you have or are or wish to turn loose of so that your "hands" are freed up for your present pursuits. Listen to your heart in deciding what to "give-away" at this time. Your own food for meals and snacks and whatever it takes to prepare it for you, mess kit (each person will responsible for his own plate, cup, and utensils. Please limit disposable items. Potluck food for the community feast on Sunday. Clothing to cover up from the sun. It may be chilly. Insect repellent. Long pants, boots, long sleeve shirt, sunscreen, drinking water (2 gallons. water not available). Noisemakers (anything you have as a percussion instrument to join in the drumming) drums, rattles, click sticks, tambourines, etc. Toilet paper, large towel to sit on in the purification lodge, first aid kit.
Sleeping: We will be sleeping under the stars. Bring tent, sleeping bag, etc.
Optional: Journal to record your experience and share with. Stories, myths, poems you feel speak to your experience. Tarps or old blankets to cover sweat lodge. Wear appropriate clothing for the purification lodge.
Directions: To Cloudcroft: Take Hwy. 130 South out of Cloudcroft for 1.2 miles. Turn left at Sleepy Grass Campground for 0.7 miles. Turn right on 5661 for 3.9 miles. Turn left at 5661 marker, forked tree on right, then turn left again immediately and follow road.
Disclaimer: No ceremony we perform should be construed to be a traditional Native American ceremony.